ProWine Mumbai 2023: A Toast to Success in the World of Wines and Spirits

ProWine Mumbai 2023: A Toast to Success in the World of Wines and Spirits

By Author

Published on December 9, 2023

ProWine Mumbai, the acclaimed event that unites the Wine & Spirits Community in India, recently celebrated its third edition, leaving a mark of excellence in the industry. The two-day exhibition, held at the Jio World Convention Centre on November 24th & 25th, brought together professionals for tastings, conversations, and fruitful business meetings.

Kicking off with the ceremonial popping of Champagne Laurent Perrier, attended by distinguished guests, including the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, City of Düsseldorf, Mr. Christian Zaum, the event set a tone of sophistication and collaboration.

ProWine Mumbai 2023 witnessed robust participation, with trade visitors spanning large hoteliers, restaurateurs, bar owners, importers, distributors, retailers, sommeliers, chefs, and consumers actively engaging on the exhibition floor. Exhibitors, impressed by the event's scale and quality, found it to be the ideal platform to connect with potential buyers and showcase their portfolios.

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Arno Schmid-Egger, Managing Director of Perola GmbH, emphasized the importance of ProWine Mumbai in gaining insights into the Indian market and establishing contacts with potential distribution partners.

The event featured 164 companies presenting over 1000 brands from 21 countries, attracting 5059 attendees from 24 countries across a vast 5,000 sqm of exhibition space. ProWine Mumbai's global appeal was evident, reflecting India's significance in the wines and spirits industry and its role as a gateway for international businesses.

Participating countries, including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Chile, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, Spain, and the United States, showcased their finest products. The event also featured pavilions from various countries, fostering networking opportunities between visitors and wine makers.

Thomas Schlitt, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf India, expressed delight at the comprehensive platform ProWine Mumbai has become, incorporating an international flavor and diversity from the Indian wine and spirits industry. The event included masterclasses, the ProWine Spirits Challenge, and the ProWine Bartenders’ Competition, adding layers of expertise and competition to the overall experience.

Nikhil Agarwal, Founder of All Things Nice and Co-organizer of ProWine Mumbai, highlighted the event's success in exceeding expectations. “We strongly believe that this is India's moment  and we look forward to organising elevated editions of ProWine Mumbai in the  future. The goal has always been to promote wine, spirits and craft beverage  businesses and help new brands enter the Indian market. This year, I’m  particularly proud of the ProWine Bartenders’ Competition and the spotlight  that it throws on bartenders who are an integral part of the beverage industry,” he said.

Winners of the Prowine Spirits Challenge 

1. VODKA

Gold Medal: SMOKE LAB ANISEED

Silver Medal: SMOKE LAB CLASSIC, SMOKE LAB SAFFRON

2. WHISKY

Gold Medal: THE GLENWALK BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY, MCCONELLS

IRISH WHISKEY

Silver Medal: HINCH IRISH WHISKEY

3. GIN

Gold Medal: BARRISTER BLUE GIN, BARRISTER MUMBAI GIN, HAPUSA

HIMALAYAN DRY GIN

Silver Medal: HAYMAN’S LONDON DRY GIN, OREGIN GIN, GREATER THAN

LONDON DRY GIN, SECTOR LONDON DRY GIN, BAAGH

Bronze Medal: COLOMBO NO. 7, SOCHI

4. RUM

Gold Medal: SHORT STORY WHITE RUM, DAKU SILVER RUM, SITARA

SPICED RUM

Silver Medal: FLOR DE CANAS 4YR WHITE RUM, DAKU GOLD RUM, RHEA

DARK RUM

Bronze Medal: VIVA EL RON WHITE RUM, MAKAZAI GOLD RUM

5. TEQUILA

Silver Medal: 1800 SILVER, CODIGO 1530 BLANCO

6. LIQUEUR

Gold Medal: TEQUILA ROSE

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The Masterclasses, ProWine Spirits Challenge, and ProWine Bartenders’ Competition drew significant attention. The blind-tasting and scoring of spirits provided valuable insights for brands. The ProWine Bartenders’ Competition showcased the skills of talented bartenders, with Priyanka Mondal (ZLB23, The Leela Palace Bengaluru) earning the title 'ProWine Bartender of the Year.'

A panel discussion on the future of international craft spirits in India added depth to the event, featuring insights from industry experts. The ProWine Mumbai Night, a major networking event, brought together luminaries of the wine and spirits industry, hospitality leaders, media persons, and key exhibitors.

The event also hosted the India Wine Awards, recognizing the best wines available in the Indian market. The positive response from industry stakeholders and sponsors, coupled with the sector's growth forecast, positions ProWine Mumbai as a premier event in the wine and spirits calendar. The 4th edition is scheduled for November 8th & 9th, 2024, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.


Monkey Bar Bengaluru Refreshes Menu with Comfort Classics and Global Twists

Monkey Bar Bengaluru Refreshes Menu with Comfort Classics and Global Twists

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 12, 2025

Bengaluru’s favourite urban hangout just got tastier:

Monkey Bar on Museum Road has introduced a new menu — staying true to its spirit while dishing out bold flavours, comfort bites, and international flair. From bar snacks to hearty mains, this refreshed menu adds new favourites to an already vibrant food scene.

Still housed in its signature high-ceilinged space with warm lighting and a buzz of familiar playlists, Monkey Bar remains a go-to for casual lunches, spontaneous dinners, and those long evenings that stretch into the night.

New on the Menu

The update brings a mix of old-school comfort and fresh global flavours. Whether you're into small plates or classic mains, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Some of the new highlights include:

  • Tuna Cutlet and Classic Paneer Tikka – starters with nostalgic appeal.

  • Chicken Tsukune – Japanese-style skewers that bring izakaya charm.

  • Cheese Burger – a timeless favourite done right.

  • Hariyali Fish Tikka – herb-marinated, perfectly grilled and fresh.

  • Hummus & Pita – a Mediterranean must-have.

  • Loaded Keema Wedges – a spiced Indian take on cheesy indulgence.

  • Military Mutton Biryani – aromatic, slow-cooked and flavour-packed.

  • Mutton Kofta & Appam – a fusion of South Indian and Mughlai richness.

These additions join Monkey Bar’s well-loved staples like comfort bowls, flatbreads, street food-inspired snacks, and its fun mix of cocktails and craft drinks.

Bengaluru’s Living Room, Now More Delicious

Monkey Bar isn’t just a gastropub, it’s a slice of Bengaluru life. It’s where old friends reunite, new plans are born, and spontaneous evenings unfold. The updated menu strengthens its status as a neighbourhood favourite that evolves with the city while keeping its soul intact.

With the right mix of nostalgia, innovation, and good food, Monkey Bar invites you to come hungry  and stay a little longer.

Fact Sheet

  • Address: First Floor, The Museum, No.1, Museum Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 56000.
  • Timings: Open Daily – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

Blue Tokai Teams Up with Ambrosia Gulf to Enter GCC Market, Debuts in UAE

Blue Tokai Teams Up with Ambrosia Gulf to Enter GCC Market, Debuts in UAE

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 11, 2025

India’s largest and fastest-growing specialty coffee brand, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, is making its way to the Gulf. In a strategic move, Blue Tokai has partnered with Ambrosia Gulf, which will serve as its master franchisee for the GCC, starting with a flagship launch in the United Arab Emirates. This marks the brand’s first official foray into the Middle East.

With over 175 cafés across India and an international footprint in Tokyo, this partnership is a key milestone for Blue Tokai as it looks to bring its signature farm-to-cup coffee experience to a new audience.

Ambrosia Gulf, part of the Ambrosia Foods Group and backed by mid-market investment firm Pulsar Capital, will lead the expansion. The firm is already known for operating Papa Johns in India (with its first outlet set for September 2025) and managing Biryani By Kilo in the GCC, underlining its strong cross-border brand management capabilities.

“We’re excited to bring Blue Tokai to the UAE and share its incredible coffee story with the region,” said Vish Narain, Executive Chairman of Ambrosia Gulf. “We’re focused on building brands that prioritize quality, authenticity, and customer experience — values that Blue Tokai exemplifies.”

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Echoing this sentiment, Matt Chitranjan, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Tokai, said, “It’s an exciting time for us as we grow beyond India into a market that appreciates traceability, craft, and community. Ambrosia Gulf’s operational expertise and deep local insights make them the perfect partners for this journey.”

Adding to this, Shivam Shahi, COO of Blue Tokai, shared, “Partnering with a group that already operates leading food brands across India and the GCC gives us confidence as we scale internationally. This isn’t just expansion — it’s about building a regionally aligned presence while staying true to our values.”

Beyond launching cafés, the partnership also aims to introduce Blue Tokai’s FMCG offerings to the GCC, tapping into HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés) and direct-to-consumer channels, thereby significantly broadening the brand’s reach.

The first Blue Tokai café in the UAE is expected to open by Q4 2025. Coffee lovers can look forward to experiencing Blue Tokai’s celebrated single-estate coffees, manual brewing styles, and a transparent, craftsmanship-driven café environment.


Namak Unveils New Menu Curated by Chef Kishor Singh, Fusing Timeless Indian Flavours with Modern Flair

Namak Unveils New Menu Curated by Chef Kishor Singh, Fusing Timeless Indian Flavours with Modern Flair

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 11, 2025

Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar, a beloved culinary spot in Greenville for soulful Indian fare, has launched an exciting new menu curated by Sous Chef Kishor Singh. The refreshed menu is a vibrant celebration of India’s rich culinary landscape, seamlessly blending traditional flavours with a touch of modern sophistication.

Chef Kishor Singh, renowned for his deep respect for regional Indian cuisine and innovative approach, has thoughtfully reimagined both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The ‘Veg Entrées’ now spotlight regional nuances with creations like Sagg Paneer Pasanda, tandoor-charred Tandoori Paneer Makhni, and the comforting Dum Aloo Banarasi. Popular classics such as Dal Makhni, Raw Mango Curry, and Malai Kofta return with subtle, refined updates, staying true to their authentic roots.

For non-vegetarian lovers, the menu doesn’t disappoint. From the universally adored Butter Chicken to the fiery Laal Maas, each dish is a testament to India’s diverse flavour profiles. Highlights include Old Delhi Mutton Nihari, Prawn Mango Curry, and the coastal-inspired Fish Moilee in a delicate coconut gravy.

“This menu is not just about food, but about storytelling—each dish reflects a part of India’s culinary journey,” shares Chef Singh, whose expertise brings together age-old techniques and contemporary tastes.

Crafted using premium ingredients and traditional spice blends, Namak’s new menu encapsulates the warmth of Indian hospitality while inviting diners to embark on a journey of culinary discovery.

With its elegant ambiance, attentive service, and now an even more enticing menu, Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar continues to solidify its place as a must-visit dining destination in Greenville.

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